Nepal national women’s volleyball team defeated the Maldives in straight sets in their final group match of the CAVA Women’s Volleyball Nations League on Sunday, setting up a semi-final showdown against a strong Iran.

Nepal, who were already assured of a semi-final spot, won against winless Maldives 25-8, 25-19, 25-18 at the National Sports Council’s covered hall in Tripureshwar, Kathmandu.

The outcome means Nepal finished their league stage in second position with nine points from four matches, which included three wins and one loss.

Aruna Shahi’s team’s only loss in the tournament so far came against Iran on Saturday, which prevented them from topping India in the group.

The Indians defeated Sri Lanka 25-13, 25-21, 25-20 that gave them 10 points from four matches.

The winners of the group stage face the fourth-placed team in the last four, while the second-placed team battle against the third-placed team.

It means Nepal will clash against strong Iran in the semis but it will also be an opportunity for the home side to avenge the group stage loss.

Shahi, whose team are still fresh from their historic first ever victory over India on Friday, said Nepal could overpower Iran in the final four but will have to make some improvements.

“We need to tighten our receiving and defence. If we do that, we could beat Iran,” said Shahi during the post match conference after defeating the Maldives.

“We also made many minor mistakes that cost us the game on Saturday. We will need to work on that as well.”

India face Sri Lanka, who finished in the fourth position with four points.

Both semi-final matches will take place on Tuesday.